The Twelfth Day of Christmas – January 6, 2026

Every year, on January 6, Christian communities commemorate the Feast of the Three Kings. It is known and celebrated in numerous ways, but its central theme relates to the story of the Three Wisemen coming to honor the birth of a special Being, a special Avatar, a special Event.

The story, as recorded in the Gospel of Mattthew relates how a group of learned seekers had come to Judea, and in particular that small town of Bethlehem, to find and worship the King of the Jews. This King was seen as not just an earthly king, but One worthy of Spiritual adoration. Interestingly they did not know exactly where He was born, and they went to the regional king, Herod, to inquire as to the whereabouts. They may have been “wise” in some sense, but they clearly lacked common sense. Asking a current king where is his replacement is not the cleverest thing they ever undertook. Herod sends them out to find the Child, so that he too can worship him as well. Clearly these proto Jedis had the same discernment as did their Star Wars counterparts when dealing with Senator Palpatine. Esoteric and intellectual knowledge does not confer Enlightenment.

Upon finding the Child, the Wiseman were fortunate to have the guidance of Angels while they slept and avoided reporting back to Herod. Whew…close call.

Interesting story, but what is the message for us today? Let us first examine the traditional rendering of these Three. First in the tradition is Melchior, with a gift of Gold. He was said to be from Arabia (or occasionally Ethiopia). Clearly the gift relates to this Child being a King. The second in the usual lineup is Gaspar, or Caspar, often associated with India with the gift of incense. Finally, we have Balthasaar, of Persia bearing myrrh. Gold=king; Incense =Priest; Myrrh =Healing and Burial. So they were looking for a King, Teacher, and Healer. (FYI around 6 BCE there was alignment of 3 planets- Mars, Jupiter and Saturn).

Again, the question arises: “What is the meaning for us today?” My answer is to ask three questions:

• What rules us?
• What Guides us?
• What Heals us?

These questions are clearly universal in their import and are not for Christians alone. How we answer them determines the arc and Path of our lives. How can we discern the answers. Simple- take stock of your Life as you experience its unfoldment.

“What rules us?” is quite straightforward. What are the qualities and experiences of our lives, and what do we worship (or truly fear)? It may be money, it may be fame, it may be joy, it may be family…it may even be something more transcendent. A quick (inner) survey of our interests, and how we spend our time, and to what end, should provide true clues as to what runs us.

“What Guides us?” This can be more subtle. It may well be our emotions…as well as whatever higher aspirations we have. Honesty is once again the best policy. Take some time to reflect upon what has worked for you in the past, and what guiding influences have supported your best choices. This answer is likely to be a hybrid. Fear, pain and suffering may help keep us in our “lane”, but if so than we are likely to be ruled more by Fear. (See above reflections on “What rules us?”).

“What Heals us?” This line of inquiry is best approached by contemplating on what we believe has gotten us through the Hard Times. To fully determine this answer we need deeper tools of reflection, and openness to deeper states of Being. Short term answers are helpful, just as a band aid and antiseptics. These temporary fixes work on the surface wounds, but not on the deeper, more existential wounds.

These three Questions can build upon each other. If we can determine what is limiting us, we can find greater guidance. If we find and follow our true Path, then we our deepest wounds can truly heal. Simple.

How can one truly tell that we are actually addressing these issues? Again, the answer is:  “Simple”. We know, because we are Happy, Joyful and fully functioning, and Life unfolds. Less effort, more ease. The greater the Ease, the Greater the Fruit. This is what Jesus meant when He said: “You will know them by their fruits”. Gospel of Matthew 7:16. This is not a “Christian” message, but a universal one.

Joy may well be the first of the (recognizable) fruits. Endeavor to be Joyful in all things. When you are not in that state, then something (dark) is ruling you. Find out what it is and work to replace it with a positive and eternal quality. If you are not happy because you feel you do not have enough money, work to find your inner treasure first. If you are lonely for lack of companionship, go out in the company of your fellow man/woman and find something joyful in which to participate. This can include getting together for Super Bowl Sunday- you need not aim for lofty goals when lower hanging fruit is available.

Finally, and perhaps most importantly, share the Joy. It is the foundation for all good on earth. It is the true foundation of Community.